Fair Market Price

0-60 MPH

EPA MPG

Safety (NHTSA)

2012 toyota prius Model Overview

Now well into its third-generation, the 2012 Toyota Prius continues with a few changes, namely to is packaging and color palate. Most Prius trims get revised audio and head units, including the addition of Toyota’s new Entune infotainment system. Options and packages for the 2012 Prius vary depending on trim level: Prius, Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Four, and Prius Five.

Credited with starting the hybrid craze, the Toyota Prius revolutionized the alternative powertrain by packaging it into a unique, yet practical 5-door. While its styling may be wacky, part of its mass appeal is due to the fact that it operates much like a normal car.

Along with reduced emissions, the Prius also cuts back on the gas station visits by posting an EPA rated 51 mpg in the city and 48 mpg in the highway. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain includes a 1.8-liter, four cylinder gas engine, which is supplemented by an electric motor for a total net horsepower output of 134 hp. Power is routed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission tuned for maximum fuel efficiency.

Body style: Four-door hatchback

Engines: 1.8L I-4

Transmissions: Continuously variable transmission

Models: Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Four, Prius Five

All 2012 Toyota Prius trims receive updated headlamps, taillights, front bumper, and grille. Sea Glass Pearl is added as a new color choice, while Sandy Beach Metallic is discontinued — Blue Ribbon Metallic is replaced by Nautical Blue Metallic. The Prius Two gets newly designed 15-inch rims, standard daytime running lamps, and a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen. The Prius Three gets a standard Smart Key System, new Entune system, and an update to the optional Solar Roof Package. The Prius Four gets standard auto on/off headlamps, Entune, SofTex seats, and a revised Deluxe Solar Roof Package. The Prius Five’s Advanced Technology package has been revised to include HDD navigation, Entune, heads up display, pre-collision system, and lane keep assist; the advance parking guidance system has been discontinued.

The Toyota Prius is definitely one of the more uniquely styled vehicles available, but its wedge shape contributes to its low coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.25, which in turn helps boost its fuel economy numbers. The Prius comes standard with low-resistance, 15-inch tires, though a new optional Plus Performance package tacks on wheel-well filling 17 inchers. The package also includes a seven-piece body kit and a slightly lower stance (1.1 inches in the front and 1.3 inches in the rear), which adds a sporty flair to the Prius.

Over its three generations, the five-passenger Toyota Prius has grown in size to better accommodate passengers. Headroom (38.6 inches front/37.6 rear) is almost identical to the Corolla, same goes for legroom, which is 42.5 inches for the front and 36 inches in the rear. The Prius beats the Corolla in rear hip room, 51.2 inches vs. 43.9. The dashboard has a unique layout, which is a showcase of bright, digital gauges that include information on the hybrid powertrain. Adding to the high-tech feel is Toyota’s new Entune system, which combines a number of features including personal smart phone control, Bluetooth, navigation, and mobile apps such as Bing and Pandora Internet radio.

With a 0-60 mph time of 9.7 seconds, it’s obvious that the Prius is tuned with fuel efficiency as a top priority. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain includes a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor to boost fuel numbers and reduce emissions. Together, the net horsepower is rated at 134. Its fuel numbers are an impressive 51 mpg in the city, and 48 mpg on the highway. The Prius offers decent handling on the road, while its regenerative braking system helps contribute to strong brake pedal feel.

For customers who want Toyota’s latest innovations in safety technology should opt for the Prius Five with the Advanced Technology Package; the package includes a Heads Up Display, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision System (PCS), and Lane Keep Assist, which provide slight steering wheel feedback when the driver drifts from a lane. All Prius trims come standard with Toyota’s Star Safe System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control. Traction Control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology, which cuts off engine power if both the gas and brake pedal are pushed simultaneously.

2012 Toyota Prius Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$24,000

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$13,175

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Wiper, Intermittent Rear Window

Defroster, Rear Window

Emergency Assistance Kit - 7R

Port Installed Option. Pricing not yet available. Contents Not Updated to Current Model Year Specificatons.

Opt

$70

Survival Whistles

CONTAINED IN: [7R] Emergency Assistance Kit

Grp

Grp

Seat, Split Folding Rear

Std

Std

Seats, Cloth Bucket

Std

Std

Radio Equipment, Auxiliary Input

Std

Std

Radio Equipment, Bluetooth Streaming Audio

Std

Std

Radio Equipment, iPod & USB Connector

Std

Std

Radio Equipment, SiriusXM Feature - P7

INCLUDES: 3-mos of Service

Port Installed Option.

$359

$449

Radio, AM/FM Stereo w/CD & MP3

Std

Std

Steering, Power

Std

Std

Stabilizer Bars, F&R

Std

Std

Sway Bar Kit - HR

Port Installed Option.

CONTAINED IN: [S1] Plus Performance Pkg

$225

$325

Springs, Lowering - S2

Port Installed Option.

CONTAINED IN: [S1] Plus Performance Pkg

Opt

$399

Tire, Limited Use Spare

Std

Std

Tires, P195/65R15

Std

Std

Tires, P215/45R17

REQUIRES: [S1] Plus Performance Pkg -OR- [S5] Plus Appearance Pkg

CONTAINED IN: [S1] Plus Performance Pkg; [S5] Plus Appearance Pkg

N/C

N/C

Towing Cap, (Towing Not Recommended)

Std

Std

Wheel Locks, Alloy - WL

Port Installed Option.

$40

$67

Wheels, 5-Spoke Aluminum Alloy

Std

Std

Wheels, Split 5-Spoke Forged Alloy - L2

Port Installed Option.

CONTAINED IN: [S1] Plus Performance Pkg; [S5] Plus Appearance Pkg

Opt

$2,499

Show Full Specs

Warranty

Warranty

Full Warranty Miles

36000

Maintenance Warranty Months

24

Full Warranty Months

36

Roadside Assistance Miles

25000

Powertrain Warranty Miles

60000

Roadside Assistance Months

24

Powertrain Warranty Months

60

Corrosion Warranty Miles

unlimited

Maintenance Warranty Miles

25000

Corrosion Warranty Months

60

Recalls

Recalls

Recall ID#14V053000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: SOFTWARE

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-02-12

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Units Affected

698457

Recall ID#13V014000 - SEATS

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

2013-01-16

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

3235

Recall ID#13V123000 - EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

7525

Recall ID#14V053000 - HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

Consequence

The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. The hybrid system could also shut down completely resulting in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-02-12

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 through 2014 Prius vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module (a component of the hybrid system) contains transistors that may become damaged from high operating temperatures. If this occurs, various warning lamps will be illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle will have reduced power allowing it to only drive a short distance.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners and dealers will update the software for both the motor/generator control electronic control unit (ECU) and the hybrid control ECU, free of charge. If an owner experiences a failure of the inverter before the vehicle receives updated software, the dealer will replace the inverter assembly with a new one at no charge. The recall began on March 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Units Affected

698457

Recall ID#13V014000 - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Recall Date

2013-01-16

Description

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Units Affected

3235

Recall ID#16V487000 - AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Consequence

If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Recall Date

2016-06-30

Description

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.

Units Affected

482002

Recall ID#16V396000 - SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Consequence

If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

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